HeyRuaHow to say “earth” in Irish
- Irish:
- úir
- English:
- earth, grave
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “oor” /uːɾʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- úire, na húire (e.g. boladh na húire, the smell of the earth)
What does “úir” mean?
“Úir” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- earth
- Soil or mould, especially fresh earth of a grave or the ground itself.Also: soil, mould, clay, ground.
“Úir” with the article
Here is úir after the article (an t-alt).
“Úir” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using úir, the Irish word for earth.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Earth in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for earth?
The Irish for earth is úir (pronounced “oor”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean grave.
How do you pronounce úir in Irish?
Úir is said like “oor” (IPA /uːɾʲ/).
Does úir have a plural?
No plural form is given for úir in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does úir have more than one meaning?
Yes. Úir can mean earth or grave, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does úir sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an úir (the earth), a húir (her earth), a n-úir (their earth).
How is 'úir' different from 'ithir' and 'cré'?
'Ithir' is the usual word for farming soil and 'cré' for clay, while 'úir' is more literary and often refers to grave earth, as in 'faoin úir' (buried).
